Longwy, On Ground Floor

July 11, 1993|By Maria Mednikov.

History: Longwy pottery has been manufactured in the Alsace-Lorraine town of the same name since 1873, but it's still relatively unknown in America. The designs were inspired by Japanese and Turkish art, and in the 1920s the genre was revitalized by the Art Deco movement.

What to look for: Longwy pottery is distinguished by its raised black inking, which outlines the decorative motifs. (Deco designs are the most collectible.) Longwy is marked on the bottom or back of the object. Sometimes, the decorator uses his initials, done very elaborately. Sometimes these will be followed by the name of the store it was done for.

What to avoid: "You don't want to get anything that is not signed," says Arthur Feldman of the Arthur Feldman Gallery in Highland Park, which has a large amount of Longwy on display. The savvy buyer will examine the pieces very carefully, also paying close attention to the condition of the porcelain. The good news, however, is that because Longwy is considered such a sophisticated collectible, "the chances of someone trying to sell one as a forgery are virtually nonexistent," says Feldman.

Forecast: Longwy is that rare European item that is actually priced better here, since many Americans who have traveled abroad have brought them back. Small decorative pieces-such as bowls, dishes and salt and pepper shakers-go for about $150. A serious Art Deco piece, such as a vase or a clock, can sell in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Says Feldman: "Be prepared to jump in at about $150 to $400 and you could get some very nice pieces." Expect Art Deco objects to be at least twice the price of Oriental or Turkish, because they are not as readily found. Prices are the lowest you're ever going to see.

To learn more: Feldman is at 708-432-8858 or Alan Roberts at 708-381-1228.